S02 - ATT D - JnA Boiler Controls.FE.pdf

Revision: 02 Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Page 1 of 3 Acquisition ID# 36C252-27-AP-0234

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C252-27-AP-0234

Contracting Activity: Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC). The proposed procurement, Invitation for Bid (IFB) 36C25227B0001, is for the Replace Boilers 4 & 5 construction project at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Station 695, VISN 12) in Milwaukee, WI..

1. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount:

This procurement is for the Replace Boilers 4 & 5 construction project at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC. The scope includes everything necessary to complete the project that meets the requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs. There is one (1) brand name integrator/service provider and one (1) brand name item listed for which the VA is not able to accept equal or alternate items. The value of the items is listed below. Item b. does not require a justification and is listed here for information purposes only. The VAAR Construction magnitude for the entire project is between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

a. Boiler Controls Labor & Materials – hardware; software; integration;

programming; testing

i. Whesco Group

ii. Value: $99,200

iii. Description: Whesco is VA’s sole source boiler controls provider and integrator. This ensures proper installation, programming, and licensing of new control systems. The existing control protocol at Bldg 112 Boilers #1 through #3 and the new system for the new boiler must match.

b. Automatic Boiler/Burner Controls (Information purposes ONLY)

i. Fireye Nexus NX6100 ver 1.406

ii. Value: $5,500

iii. Description: The Nexus Fireye system is currently in place at the three existing boilers. To ensure proper control of the new boiler with regard to flame optimization, an equal burner control system needs to be procured and installed.

https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/13

Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Page 2 of 3 Acquisition ID# 36C252-27-AP-0234

2. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used:

The above items have been standardized at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC Boiler Plant. Installing different manufacturers’ systems will create significant functionality issues regarding boiler controls. The specific impact for not using the brand name item a. is listed below:

a. Boiler Controls – hardware; software; integration; programming; testing

i. Whesco Group

ii. Impact: Existing Boiler Plant (Bldg 112) control cabinets and main controller are tied to an existing Whesco server and computer at the operator station. A separate control system would require a separate and stand-alone server and computer and it would not integrate with the proprietary current system. Maintenance shops stock parts for that system and have a service agreement with Whesco to maintain it 24/7/365. Due to licensing agreements and warranties, Whesco would be unable to service a third-party’s separate and stand-along server.

Lastly, the existing Boiler Plant’s safety device testing manual is written based upon the language and protocol of the Whesco control system.

Staff are able to test certain safety devices with the proprietary control cabinet to limit the risk of physically making a critical safety fail.

3. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

The market research for the required brand name items was conducted and prepared by FM leadership, the Boiler Plant staff, the COR, and the AE. This information listed above supports the brand name items. Approval of the items as brand name only is critical for the overall efficiency of the completed project and the VA Milwaukee Boiler Plant.

The market research concerning the required brand name item was previously conducted when the procurement of these items was originally purchased. The manufacturers and products are exclusively acceptable for reasons outlined in this J&A.

The new components (software and servers) must be able to tie into the existing and operational systems, including the use of existing hardware. At this time, there are no competing vendors who have the programming rights to the systems, and products must be fully compatible with the existing systems being used at the VA Milwaukee Boiler Plant.

Effective Date: 12/30/2025 Page 3 of 3 Acquisition ID# 36C252-27-AP-0234

There will be competition for the overall procurement. It will be the responsibility of the bidders to obtain pricing from the suppliers of the items and to submit a competitive proposal for the project.

4. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR

13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Ryan McMillin Contracting Officer https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2013_1.html#wp1125466 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2013_1.html#wp1125466